TRUST: The Great Multiplier of Performance

Simply put, trust can accelerate or destroy any business or relationship.

When people prioritize building trust they enjoy better relationships, reputations, employee engagement, retention, revenue and results! When there is lack of trust, everything takes longer and costs more. Trust me on this!!

The Bottom Line on Trust

Not just a soft, social virtue, trust is the core of company’s performance – it affects the bottom line. Leaders who think their only job is to make money are just missing one of the greatest advantages in business today. In fact, a Watson Wyatt study shows high-trust organizations outperform low-trust organizations in total return to shareholders by 286%!

Here’s what a couple of our top business thought leaders say. In the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni places trust as the foundation of teamwork and organizational performance. His “5 Dysfunctions Pyramid” is used throughout thousands of businesses today.

With his book, Speed of Trust, Steven M.R. Covey shows the ability to establish and extend trust with all stakeholders – customers, business partners, investors, and co-workers – is the key currency of business growth.

Trust Taxes

Covey also shows how trust can be destroyed at an incredible speed through hierarchy, bureaucracy, politics, disengagement, employee turnover, customer churn and fraud. When levels of trust diminish, organizations experience these common “trust taxes:”

Lower productivity

Lack of innovation

Poor engagement

Reduced retention

Inability to recruit top talent

Diminished revenue and profit

Trust Dividends

Trust is the result of consistent, positive practices over time and should be a core business strategy. For example, the way to optimize the financial performance of the company is to have highly engaged employees who work harder, stay longer and are happier to be in your company.

Building a trust-based environment should be part of a company’s core processes – from hiring and performance management to sales and marketing. Why?

Greater innovation. Creativity thrives in a culture of high trust – resulting in more opportunity, revenue growth and market share. Without trust, no one is willing to take the risks that innovation requires.

Stronger partnerships. A Warwick Business School study shows that partnerships based on trust experience an increase of 40% above the original contract.

So often, amidst the chaos of life and work we forget the simple and powerful truths that build trust.

Do what you say you’re going to do. Trust happens when words and commitments are equal to actions and delivery. Great leaders build trust by holding themselves accountable, then holding others accountable.

Be consistent. People love to see the little things done consistently.

Improve continuously. People have confidence in those who stay current, relevant and capable – and deliver results.

Listen first. Listening before advising builds trust. When people feel heard, there is improved commitment and better results.

Be direct. People trust clear communications and mistrust the ambiguous.

Be caring. People put their faith in those who care beyond themselves.

Do the right thing. We trust those who live with honesty and integrity. People value others with character, who do what is right over what is easy. People notice others who choose long-term relationships over short-term success.

Demonstrate vulnerability. Admit to bad decisions. Be transparent, authentic and willing to share mistakes. When we show vulnerability, we radiate trust – conflict is resolved more effectively, leading up Lencioni’s pyramid to improved accountability, commitment and results!

Become a coach. Guide people, help them be better, and you will earn their trust.

Call to Action

Put your trust glasses on and ask yourself the following questions:

1. How does trust affect you or your company?

2. How much does lack of trust costs your organization?

(Considerrelationships, loyalty, retention and influence.)

3. How can you inspire trust in your organization

By making trust a priority, your courage to take action and become trustworthy will be the invitation for others to follow.